Rita Hayworth Net Worth

Rita Hayworth: A Look at the Net Worth and Legacy of a Hollywood Icon

Early Life and Beginnings

Rita Hayworth, whose birth name was Margarita Carmen Cansino, remains a timeless symbol of Hollywood glamour. She was a celebrated American actress, dancer, and producer who captivated audiences with her talent and beauty. At the time of her passing in 1987, her estimated net worth was $10 million. Hayworth’s journey to stardom began on October 17, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Volga Hayworth and Eduardo Cansino, instilled in her a love for dance, which would shape her early career. She had two younger brothers, Eduardo Jr. and Vernon. Her early training came from her uncle, Angel Cansino. As a child, she performed in “The Greenwich Village Follies” on Broadway, and at the age of 8, she appeared in the 1926 short film “La Fiesta.” In 1927, the family moved to Hollywood, and Eduardo opened a dance studio, where he taught Jean Harlow and James Cagney. Hayworth’s talent and dedication laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

The Rise to Stardom: Hayworth’s Career

In 1931, Eduardo and 12-year-old Rita formed the Dancing Cansinos, and they performed in Tijuana, Mexico, since Hayworth was too young to work in California bars and nightclubs. While this was a time of early performance, Hayworth’s teenage years were also marked by hardship and exploitation. She reportedly shared a difficult relationship with her father, Eduardo, a fact later revealed to her second husband, Orson Welles. Biographer Barbara Leaming wrote that when the Dancing Cansinos weren’t touring, Volga slept in the same bed as Rita to try to protect her from Eduardo. Hayworth attended Hamilton High School through the end of her freshman year, but she never graduated due to the fact that she was consistently working. Despite these challenges, Hayworth’s undeniable talent propelled her forward. She began to land small roles in films such as “Cruz Diablo” (1934) and “In Caliente” (1935). Following a screen test arranged after Fox Film Corporation executive Winfield Sheehan saw Rita and Eduardo dancing at the Caliente Club, she was signed to a six-month contract. It was during her time at Fox that she adopted the name Rita Cansino, which would soon transform into the iconic “Rita Hayworth.”

“Gilda” and Beyond: Iconic Film Roles

Under contract at Fox, Rita Cansino started her journey towards becoming one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. Her initial breakthrough came in 1935 with a speaking role in “Under the Pampas Moon.” After her six-month contract expired, she transitioned to Columbia Pictures, where studio head Harry Cohn recognized her potential, despite initially seeing her Mediterranean look as a potential limitation. Cohn pushed for a new image. He encouraged her to use her mother’s maiden name, dye her hair a striking dark red, and undergo electrolysis to reshape her hairline. This transformation, coupled with her undeniable acting abilities, paved the way for a series of successful roles. In the 1940s, Rita starred in 18 films, such as “Music in My Heart” (1940), “Blondie on a Budget” (1940), “The Lady in Question” (1940), “Affectionately Yours” (1941), “Tales of Manhattan” (1942), “Cover Girl” (1944), “Tonight and Every Night” (1945), and “The Loves of Carmen” (1948). Hayworth’s career flourished, and she became a symbol of beauty and talent, with key roles showcasing her versatility. Her portrayal of Gilda Mundson Farrell in the 1946 film noir “Gilda” alongside Glenn Ford, is arguably her most iconic role. The film was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2013 for its cultural and aesthetic significance, cementing Hayworth’s place in cinematic history. Other notable films include “Only Angels Have Wings” (1939), “Angels Over Broadway” (1940), “My Gal Sal” (1942), “Down to Earth” (1947), “Miss Sadie Thompson” (1953), “Pal Joey” (1957), “Circus World” (1964), “The Money Trap” (1965), and “The Wrath of God” (1972). She also starred in and produced the films “The Loves of Carmen” (1948), “Affair in Trinidad” (1952), “Salome” (1953), and “The Happy Thieves” (1961). In 1999, Hayworth was ranked the 19th-greatest female star on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Stars” list.

Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Struggles

Beyond her on-screen persona, Rita Hayworth’s personal life was marked by both glamour and considerable turmoil. She was married five times, each union adding a complex layer to her story. Her first marriage, at the age of 18, was to Edward Charles Holmgren Judson, who also acted as her manager. The marriage lasted from May 1937 to May 1942. Hayworth later revealed that Judson “helped me with my career and helped himself to my money.” Her second marriage was to the legendary actor, director, and screenwriter Orson Welles on September 7, 1943, and they had one daughter, Rebecca, on December 17, 1944. This marriage, however, was short-lived. In 1949, she married Prince Aly Khan and had a daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, born on December 28, 1949. After a series of short-lived relationships, she married singer Dick Haymes in 1953, but the marriage ended with a separation in 1955 after Haymes allegedly hit her. This was followed by her fifth marriage, to film producer James Hill in 1958, which concluded with a divorce in 1961. Hayworth also maintained a 40-year on-and-off relationship with actor Glenn Ford, which began when they were filming “Gilda.” Ford’s son revealed that Hayworth had an abortion during the filming of “The Loves of Carmen.” Hayworth’s personal life was often as dramatic as her on-screen roles, with relationships marked by challenges and disappointments, reflecting the societal pressures and personal struggles she faced as a prominent figure.

The Battle with Alzheimer’s and Its Impact

Hayworth’s final years were significantly impacted by her struggle with alcoholism, which masked the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter, Yasmin Aga Khan, poignantly described her mother’s condition as a child, noting the difficulty Hayworth had coping with the pressures of her career and the industry’s emotional demands. “I remember as a child that she had a drinking problem. She had difficulty coping with the ups and downs of the business … As a child, I thought, ‘She has a drinking problem, and she’s an alcoholic.’ That was very clear, and I thought, ‘Well, there’s not much I can do. I can just, sort of, stand by and watch.'” The disease was not initially diagnosed, leading to misinterpretations of her erratic behavior. In 1980, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis that brought some clarity to her family after years of uncertainty. Medical historian Barron H. Lerner has referred to Hayworth as “the first public face of Alzheimer’s, helping to ensure that future patients did not go undiagnosed.” Hayworth’s openness about her condition helped raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and its impact, making her a pioneer in shedding light on the disease. In 1981, she was placed under the care of her daughter, Yasmin, who moved into an apartment adjacent to her mother’s in New York City to provide care and support.

Death, Legacy, and Charitable Efforts

In February 1987, Hayworth fell into a semicoma, and on May 14, 1987, she died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease at her Manhattan home at the age of 68. Her death marked the end of an era for Hollywood. President Ronald Reagan, who himself had a connection to Hollywood, released a statement mourning her loss, acknowledging her contributions to the entertainment world and her battle with Alzheimer’s. Her funeral was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, and her pallbearers included actors Cesar Romero, Ricardo Montalbán, and Glenn Ford. She was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, with her headstone bearing the inscription, “To yesterday’s companionship and tomorrow’s reunion.” Hayworth’s legacy extends beyond her acting career, as her daughter, Yasmin, established the Rita Hayworth Gala in the mid-1980s. These annual benefits raise significant funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Rita Hayworth Gala events in New York, Chicago, and Palm Beach had raised more than $70 million for the organization, highlighting the enduring impact of her life and her commitment to raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s research.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Rita Hayworth received multiple awards and nominations that recognized her outstanding performances. In 1965, she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Drama for “Circus World.” She won a Photoplay Award for Best Performances of the Month (July) for “My Gal Sal” (shared with Victor Mature) in 1942, and in 1954, she earned a Laurel Award nomination for Top Female Dramatic Performance for “Miss Sadie Thompson.” Further solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon, Hayworth was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Her contributions continue to be celebrated, as she was posthumously inducted into the Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame in 2021. Additionally, in 1978, the National Film Society presented Hayworth with its first-ever National Screen Heritage Award, a testament to her lasting impact on cinema and culture.

Rita Hayworth in Popular Culture: The Shawshank Connection

The influence of Rita Hayworth extends far beyond her own films, notably into popular culture. One instance of this is her notable presence in the classic film, “The Shawshank Redemption.” The movie, as many may know, is based on a short story by Stephen King, titled “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.” The film’s protagonist, Andy Dufresne, requests a poster of Rita Hayworth as his first item upon entering the prison. This small detail underscores the actress’s enduring appeal and her cultural significance. In the context of the film, Hayworth’s poster symbolizes hope, freedom, and beauty, elements that the main character longs for during his time in prison. This connection has cemented her image in the minds of millions, contributing to her continued recognition and relevance.